Grant helps MSTC ready students for college

Mid-State Technical College has been awarded a $111,076 grant for the Pre-College Preparation Project from Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation.

The grant funds a partnership between MSTC, the Wisconsin Rapids School District and the Marshfield School District designed to prepare high school juniors and seniors from low-socioeconomic households for the rigors of postsecondary education.

Students increase their writing and math skills through participation in college classes taught on an MSTC campus by technical college certified instructors. Students are supported by a case manager who works to mitigate barriers to academic success and retention. Supports include assistance in the completion of college applications, financial aid applications, career exploration, program research and community building.

The academic skills gained through successful completion of the classes and/or adequate Accuplacer scores fulfill prerequisites for entry into program level writing and math classes. The elimination of pre-college classes through successful completion of the Pre-College Project means participating students may pay less tuition and avoid delays effecting program completion and subsequent employment.

"The Pre-College Preparation Project provides the vital academic and study skill tools students from low-socioeconomic households need to be prepared for college," said MSTC Associate Dean Jo-Ellen Fairbanks-Schutz.

Interested students and their families can contact Marshfield High School Assistant Principal Liz Dostal or Carrie Siler and John Bemis at River Cities High School for more information.

MSTC was one of 34 recipients to receive some of the more than $4 million in College Ready grant funds awarded by Great Lakes to provide students with academic-focused services during the 2013-14 academic year. Grant recipient programs will provide services to students across Minnesota and Wisconsin during the upcoming academic year, helping a total of 4,000 students succeed in higher education.

Great Lakes' College Ready grant is designed to support programs that help students from traditionally underserved backgrounds, including students from low-income households, students of color, and those who are the first in their families to attend college. It prepares individuals in grades 6 through 12, as well as adult learners, to arrive on campus ready to enroll in college-level courses.

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Grant helps MSTC ready students for college

Karl Easttorp, Director of Communications

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